As a newcomer to the RV scene, I recently acquired a 1999 Prevost XL45 Marathon, and I wanted to share my first encounter with the Detroit Motor. I currently manage five Class 8 trucks powered by Cat and Cummins engines, and I handle basic oil and filter changes myself. I firmly believe in preventive maintenance, but I also recognize when it’s best to call in a professional for tasks outside my comfort zone.
When I purchased the bus in June 2005, it had 110,000 miles on it. I inquired with the previous owners (a private party) about the last top-end valve adjustment, and they informed me that it had been done by a Detroit dealer at 80,000 miles. This was great news, considering the labor involved in accessing the valve cover. After giving the dealer the VIN, I confirmed the information was in their records—another reason to smile!
We’ve taken a couple of cross-country trips since then, racking up 10,000 trouble-free miles, along with two oil changes and some other minor preventive maintenance. I couldn’t be happier with its performance.
Now we’re in the midst of an interior renovation. Before the professional installation, I decided to pull out the old carpet. In the process, I removed the bed and everything else atop the original carpet, only to discover the removable hatch required for valve and injector adjustments. To my surprise, it had never been opened.
I reached out to my trusted mobile mechanic to perform the tune-up, and we found that three of the exhaust roller rockers were showing signs of wear on their hard faces. This is a precursor to potential camshaft issues. I contacted my local Detroit dealer, who confirmed they had three in stock, with plenty more at nearby locations—54 at one and over 90 at another, all within a 60-mile radius.
The takeaway from this experience is the importance of checking your valves every 100,000 miles or so. Neglecting this could lead to significant expenses, often at the most inconvenient times.
I’ll save the details of the interior project for another time. We’re thoroughly enjoying the bus! I’m amazed at how much time I spend online, soaking up information and admiring all the fantastic RV gear. I even picked up that trailer from Prevost-Stuff, which the owner will deliver to California when he picks up his new one. After driving an 80-foot semi, a 45-footer feels a bit cramped—especially with three small girls and all the gear we want to take along.
—Kevin
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